‘Toxic’ exclusive | Director Suri lauds Yash’s performance: A brave attempt from superstar

Kannada director Suri has praised actor Yash's performance in the film 'Toxic', describing his portrayal of an ageing gangster as a bold and complex career move. The film, directed by Geetu Mohandas, has received mixed reviews for its screenplay but is noted for its psychological depth.
Why it matters
The film represents a significant shift in the career trajectory of a major pan-Indian star, potentially influencing future casting and storytelling trends in Indian cinema.
Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown Ups has received polarising reviews ever since it hit the theatres on August 26, 2026. The emotional gangster drama, starring Yash and directed by Geetu Mohandas, has drawn brickbats for its overstuffed screenplay, while also earning praise for delving into a psychological theme.
In the film, Yash plays Raya, an invincible gangster who gradually descends into depression after being devastated by a tragic past in which he loses his loved ones. Toxic, also starring Rukmini Vasanth, Tara Sutaria, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi and Nayanthara, is set in Goa around the time of independence, when the Portuguese still ruled the region. The movie deals with the opium trade and also a casino racket in Macau, apart from exploring the mental state of a gangster who suffers from guilt.
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